AboutKidney Health (NAPSA)—Chronic kidney disease (CKD)isa serious health problem,affect- ing an estimated 30 million adults in the United States. Yet more than nine out of 10 people who havekidney disease don't knowthey haveit. The sooner you find out you have kidneydisease, the sooner you can take steps to prevent or delay serious health problems. CKD means your kidneys are damaged andcan't filter blood the way they Your doctor can tell you whether should. Kidney damage can cause wastes you have kidney disease and what to build up in your body and can lead to to do about other health problems such as anemia, bone disease and heart disease. You can have CKD without any symptoms, espe- ciallyin the early stagesofthe disease, and kidneytests. You canstart the conversation with your health care provider by askingthese three questions: over timeit may lead to kidneyfailure. If 1. Have beentestedfor kidney disyour kidneys fail, you will need dialysis ease and how healthy are my kidneys? or a kidney transplant to maintain your 2. How often should I get my kidhealth. You can’t reverse progressive kid- neys checked? ney damagebut you may be able to avoid 3. Whatshould I do to keep mykidor delay dialysis or a kidney transplant neys healthy? with medications andlifestyle changes. TakeSteps to Protect Understand Your Risk Your Kidney Health for Kidney Disease If you don't have kidney disease but Ifyou have diabetes, high bloodpres- are at risk for it, your health care prosure, heart disease or a family history of vider may suggest ways you can keep kidney failure, you are atrisk for kidney your kidneys healthy. Here are some disease. An estimated one in three people with diabetes, and onein five adults with high blood pressure, have CKD. ‘Therefore,it's important for people who areat riskforthe diseasetogettested. Get Tested Early steps you can take to protect your kid- ney health: +*Manage your diabetes, high blood pressure andheart disease + Makehealthy food choices Testing for kidney disease is sim- + Aim fora healthy weight + Make physical activity part of your neysare filtering yourblood and urine + Get enough sleep—aim for seven to eight hours ofsleep each night + Stop smoking ple—it involvesa blood test and a urine test. Your health care provider uses a bloodtest to check how well your kidtest to check for protein in your urine. Talk with Your Health Care Provider Ifyou have diabetes, high blood pres- routine + Find healthy waysto copewithstress. Learn More For more information about kid- sure, heart disease or a family history ney disease, kidney failure, diabetes and care providerabout kidneydisease. Stay informed andaskfortheresults of your betes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)website at www.niddk.nih.gov. ofkidney failure, talk with your health more,visit the National Institute of Dia-
